Chapter 4

I turned on my heel sprinting back past the washroom. I didn't make it all the way down the corridor before one the men's meaty arm wrapped around my waist, lifting me completely off the ground.

"ZUKO!" I shrilly screamed, my eyes wide in fright. This cannot be happening! The man slammed me against the metal wall, knocking the air violently from my lungs, pain radiating down my body. Each grabbed an arm, pinning me to the wall.

Pudgy who was obviously the leader, racked his eyes lewdly down my body. "Let's get her to the supply closet, it's closer." My breath returning, I let out an ear piercing scream, hearing it echo off of the metal walls. He let go of my arm in favor of my throat, choking off my scream and banging my head so hard into the wall that black spots danced across my vision.

Dazed, I felt them drag me to an unmarked metal door. My heart beating frantically in my ears, I rapidly blinked away my darkening vison. There is no way I am letting this happen to me! I felt adrenaline racing through my veins, giving me to the strength to kick both legs up; using the metal door frame as leverage to shove me and my assailant's backward into the wall behind us, ignoring the abuse that my poor back kept suffering. In their surprise the slender one released my arm, allowing me the chance to viscously elbow him in the face, which resulted in a satisfying crack. With the move, my eye caught a knife in its sheath attached to the man's waist. Not even thinking anymore I desperately snatched the useful weapon, slicing down the exposed part of Pudgy's arm, forcing him to unhanded me, with a pained yell. I shot off like a firework around the corner leaving the cursing guards behind me. I screamed slightly when I suddenly crashed into a hard armored chest, making me lose my hold on the bloody knife. The force of the impact would have knocked me down had not a strong arm steadied me. My wild azure eyes met familiar gold. Never in my life would I have thought I would be relieved to see Zuko! I barely noted four masked guards running up behind him. Zuko moved me to his side when my attackers rounded the corner, coming to a sliding stop. I was happy to see that it looked like I had broken the slender one's nose and Pudgy wasn't much better his wound dripping blood on the floor.

Zuko's eyes darted to the knife on the floor then to the men in front of him. "What is the meaning of this?" His voice taking on a low and dangerous quality. The men looked down, not answering. "Well?"

"Prince Zuko, the prisoner was attempting to escape, so we tried to apprehend her!" the greasy leader of the two, answered taking a step forward.

My jaw dropping at the outright lie, "That's a-"

Zuko cut me off shouting, "You dare to lie to the Crown Prince!" His face twisted in fury, teeth bared. I was glad to not be on the receiving end of the unmerciful glint in his eye. "Have you so soon forgotten the meeting that was held just last night. Allow me to remind you, Katara is my guest and is not to be harmed." I took a special kind of pleasure out of the looks of terror on the scums faces. Zuko turned to me asking harshly, "did these men force themselves on you?"

"They tried," I hated the way my voice trembled the adrenaline leaving. The pain in my back making itself abundantly known.

"Take them to the brig." Eyes ablaze, he ordered the crewmen behind him.

"But, sir the brig is a mess," one spoke hesitantly, most likely afraid the Prince's anger would be transferred onto him.

"Lock the main door and chain them to wall until proper punishment is decided. Get them out of my sight. NOW!" They four guards immediately jumped into action roughly grabbing the men, much in the same manner they had handled me and dragged them away.

Zuko escorted me silently back to the safety of his room. Only when there did he let his eyes wander over me. Unlike with the men in the corridor, his gaze didn't make me uneasy. There was a clinical look in his eye that told me he was inspecting me for injuries. I couldn't help, but stare a little in awe at the gentleness of his hand when tipping my head back. I grimaced when the action pulled on the sore muscles. I'm positive my neck is a brilliant red, judging by the heat I could feel. It will leave a nasty bruise.

Zuko straightened, I could detect he was struggling to contain his anger, glowing in his eyes. "Are you hurt anywhere else?"

"My back took most of the attack, I'm sure it will be black and blue." My head throbbed sharply reminding me of the abuse it had also received. "And I will probably have a bump on the back of my head. Other than that I'm fine."

I inhaled softly when warm fingers lightly trailed across my aching throat, "I'll get some salve that will help heal the bruises and the relieve the soreness." His voice was soft, a great contrast to his usual abrupt manner of speaking. I was going to tell him that there was no need, I could heal myself with water. But, in a split decision, I decided to keep this bit of information under lock and key. Not waiting for a reply Zuko strode out of the room and for once the lock of the door brought to me a sense of safety.

No, I wouldn't tell Zuko I could heal. He is still my enemy and the less he knew of what I'm capable of the better. I will only help along the healing every few days or so, to avoid suspicion. I went toward his bed, but stopped, remembering that Zuko wouldn't want me laying on his incredibly soft bed. I stared woefully at the cot, my aching back already protesting the idea of sleeping on it.

I turned when Zuko walked back in carrying a green jar in one hand and in the other- "my basket!" there in his hand was the very basket, I had carried into the village market and with the fruit still inside.

The corner of his lip turned up slightly. "Well, it would be senseless in letting food waste. Help yourself."

I sat carefully down at the small table, very aware of my bruised body. "How kind of you. I might as well, considering I bought it."

"Yes, I am feeling rather generous today." He smirked, tossing a couple berries in his mouth. "I was actually after your basket of fruit and just took you as a bonus."

"Now the truth comes out. You, thief!" I laughed, biting into a deliciously juicy peach. Then paused, had I just participated in a playful conversation with Zuko?

Before I could dwell on the notion, he distracted me by picking up the green jar and rotated it in his hand. "This is the salve. It works, though it doesn't exactly smell pleasant." Zuko's nose scrunched slightly.

"Thank you for getting it for me."

"Why were you by yourself?"

"Iroh was fetched due to some incident with the boilers and instead of taking me back he allowed me to bathe and walk myself back to the room unescorted while doing so I was attacked. I wasn't trying to escape." I sternly explained feeling like military personnel explaining how their mission went wrong to a supervisor. I made sure to not break eye contact, hoping that he could see I was speaking nothing but the truth.

"Prepare yourself. You are about to be bombarded with tea out Uncle's guilt for leaving you." He replied on a seemingly tired sigh. I released the breath I had been holding, I knew that was his way of saying he believed me.

"Iroh should feel nothing of the sort! He could not have known what would take place." I glanced away, uncomfortable and began fidgeting with the half-eaten peach. "Besides, I did manage to stop them before they got me into the supply closet."

"What would you have me do?"

"What do mean?"

"Tell me what you want to be done with the assaulters. I assure you whatever punishment you choose will be executed."

"Um," I opened and closed my mouth like a fish out of the water. I wasn't prepared to have such power thrust upon me. "I don't know. You could release them when you- you reach land…" I trailed off, uncertain.

"Release them?" Zuko raised a brow. "What, so they can find some other poor girl to force themselves on? And she may not be as fortunate as you."

"I don't know what to do," I confessed shrugging my shoulders helplessly, gasping as pain shot down my spine, almost choking on the bite I had just taken. Zuko leaned forward, his arms braced stiffly on his knees, literally breathing out steam. "What would you do?"

"Justice would be swift." Zuko's voice taking on a hard edge, "Katara no man should ever do what they attempted. These men have dishonored themselves."

"May I take the time to think about it?"

"You have until the end of the day."

Chapter 7 (Revised)

Zuko had been right. Iroh apologized profusely this morning and again over dinner. Hoping to distract the older man from his needless guilt, I asked to play a game of Pai Sho. I had only played once and it had been a while ago, but Iroh was more than happy to coach me through the majority of the first game. We played three rounds and by pure luck was I even able to win one.

Zuko groaned, when entering the room, I wasn't surprised, Iroh had already informed me of his nephew's dislike of the game. "Uncle that is enough of Pai Sho, not everyone loves the game as you do."

"Katara, unlike someone else I know, enjoys the game. Isn't that right?"

"Yes, it's a little challenging, but I like it."

"So, would like to play another round?" Iroh's face was the perfect picture of hope.

I didn't want to hurt his feelings, but I just don't think I have another game in me. I glanced at Zuko to see him staring at me and quickly looked back to Iroh. "Um…"

"It's been a long day. I'm sure she would like to get some rest." Zuko answered for me while undoing the straps on the front of his armor.

"Yes, of course!" Iroh stood taking the tray, "I ask for your forgiveness once again Katara for the horrendous events of today."

"Iroh, there is nothing to forgive!" I stood on my tiptoes, pecking him on the cheek.

He smiled broadly down at me. "I will see you tomorrow," He went to the door, but paused with his hand on the handle. "Have you yet to apply the salve?"

"Only on my neck."

"Didn't you tell say the worst of the bruising were on your back?" He quizzed, with a twinkle in his eyes. I subtly shot my eyes toward Zuko, surprised to see the armor gone from his shoulders. He must have had one of the men to undo the back straps for him. He stood with his arm folded across his chest, eyes narrowed at his Uncle.

"Yes, but I cannot reach it."

"Well, my nephew should be able to help you with that." Iroh opened the door, calling over his shoulder, "Get a good night's sleep, my dear."

I stared at the floor in embarrassment, as Zuko wandered over to the low table where I was standing, rubbing the back of his neck. Is he...nervous? He cleared his throat, "you can have the bed tonight; I'll sleep on the cot."

My eyes widen, that was the last thing I had been expecting to come out of his mouth. "Thank you."

"Do you want to sleep in that, or do you want something of mine?" He gestured to my newly washed blue tunic and leggings.

"This is fine. But, I will need something of yours in the morning. If that's alright?"

"The avatar will come for you. I'm sure it won't be too much longer." I wasn't for sure if he said it to reassure me or himself. The words may have made him feel better, but it had the opposite effect on me.

Zuko clasped his hands behind his back, rocking slightly on his heels. "If you are not comfortable with me applying the salve to your back, especially after what happened today, I understand."

I stared at him pondering over rather embarrassing idea. I knew the salve would help ease the pain for it worked on my bruised neck. But, I don't know if I want him that close to me, it seemed a little too…intimate. Not that I'm afraid he will try anything. Zuko is honorable in that way. I exhaled loudly, I am most likely going to regret this. "Zuko I know you are not that sort of man."

"I'm glad you do." His replied in all seriousness, but I could see the relief glowing in his eyes. He picked up the salve jar, raising his eyebrow in question. Nervousness fluttering my stomach, I gave a simple nod.

"Can you turn around?" I asked with a beguiling calmness, my heart fluttering like that of a butterfly's wings. My upper half would have to be unclothed.

He looked confused, but caught on quickly, his good eye widening, "Oh, right. No problem."

"Cover your eyes too." He sighed but did he was told. I pulled back the bedding, glancing over my shoulder just to make sure he hadn't moved. I winced as my back smarted when pulling off my tunic and unwinding my breast bindings. I laid down on my stomach, clutching my tunic to my chest and pulled the blanket to my lower back. Nervously making sure everything was in its place. "You can turn around now." I tried to keep the shakiness out of my voice. Zuko saw the bindings on the floor and diverted his gaze, climbing on the bed and out of my range of sight. I heard his low gasp, it didn't take a genius to know what warranted it. "Is it bruised badly?"

"Just as you said black and blue. Have you decided punishment yet?"

I stewed on it all day trying to come up with at least something and failed. "Have you ever had to punish someone for this before?"

"You are the only woman who has ever been on the ship. But, there was an incident three years ago, when we stopped at a port that the crewmen got off and went drinking. One attempted an assault, but luckily the girl's father stopped him. The man tracked down my uncle and me, told us what had befallen. The man was delt with."

After a pregnant pause, I finally spoke. "They are under your order, so just do what you think is best." I turned my head to look at him.

Zuko stared intently at me, his golden eyes gleaming beautifully in the candlelight. "Then concern yourself with the matter no more." I had to look away, swallowing hard. I knew this was a bad idea!

I heard him inhale deeply, before I felt his touch, rubbing the cool salve into the extremely sore muscles of my back. Oh, but his hands are so warm! From the short time I've been around Zuko on the ship, he seems to always radiant heat, it must be because he is a fire bender. I closed my eyes in complete yet unexpected relaxation. This feels so very good, my eyes shot opened at the thought. Oh, no! No, no. It must be the salve, maybe it's numbing my brain along with the pain. Not Zuko, absolutely not Zuko. In fact, I will be glad when he is no longer touching me! Helplessly a soft sigh escaped my lips when he rubbed a spot on my right shoulder. I desperately hoped he couldn't tell that I was melting like ice next to a roaring fire under his strong hands, yet devastatingly tender hands. I would never have thought he would have such a pleasant touch… He really hasn't been all that horrible. Zuko makes sure I am fed and not prison swill, this food is finer than any I have eaten in my entire life. And today, he had been furious in my defense. Never in the multiple times, he chased us have I seen him so irate. Then after he was almost- almost sweet, well a gruff sweet anyway. No, he is the enemy, I mentally reprimanded myself, a man who is trying his hardest to capture Aang. Unable to help myself I once again glanced over my shoulder. Zuko's whole body was rigid! I quickly went back to staring a hole through his pillows.

"I'm not hurting you, am I?"

"No, you're fine." Yes, very fine indeed. At the traitorous thought, my face heated up to match the warmth of his hands.

"Tell me if I do." Zuko spoke hoarsely. I yet again I risked a peek over my shoulder, Zuko stared fixedly at the metal door. Is something wrong with him?

"Are you alright?" I unthinkingly blurted out.

"Yes," He answered sharply, giving a guilty jump as if I caught him committing some sort of forbidden act. "I'm getting this abhorrent smelling salve off my hands. Let that dry before you…" He cleared his throat, "put on your shirt."

I waited until he was out the door to bury my head into the pillow, groaning. "This is not good." I could still feel the warmth of where his hands last touched. I felt as if the heat would forever be trapped in my skin. Then my nose picked up on a smell floating in the air. Ugh, that salve does stink! How could I have not have smelt this while he put it on me?

Zuko came back in looking- well, frustrated, for some unknown reason. Shedding his shirt at the door, my eyes of their own accord followed the attractive Prince until he went out of my line of sight. I gasped when the candle flames suddenly died.

"Hey!" I yelled startled.

"I Forgot you couldn't see me." He said in tone far to innocent.

"A little warning next time."

"I don't take orders from peasants! Go to sleep."

"Is that any way to talk to your guest?"

"Guest." He scoffed, "you are my prisoner and-"

I interrupted him heatedly, "so I am back to being a prisoner, am I? Did you not just tell your crew today that I was a guest? Make up your mind, Zuko."

"I am the Crown Prince of the Fire Nation; you will address me as such. You insolent girl! I only said that for your protection." He spoke through gritted teeth, "do as I said and go to sleep!"

"Well, goodnight your Highness." I quipped, knowing he couldn't see my eye roll in the dark. I don't know what his deal is. He answered my shout today in the corridor and it isn't like I called 'Crown Prince of the Fire Nation, please help me!'

"Good. It's about time you've learned your place, water bender."

"I am trying to sleep, so how about shutting your royal mouth."

"We wouldn't still be talking if you would have gone to sleep the first time I told you to."

"Pfft…The day I listen to you is the day pigs fly."

"Go to sleep!" I yelp when a pillow unexpectedly landed on me.

"Did you just throw a pillow at me?" I struggled in the dark to put on my tunic again, afraid he might light the candles at any given second.

"No, because there are so many other people in this room."

"Well, I'm not giving it back. So, ha! You can just sleep without a pillow."

"Fine, keep it. You probably drooled on it, anyway."

"I don't drool! And if you're so worried about it, why am I on your bed?" I challenged.

"Believe me, when you're healed, you will be back on this cot and I will buy new bedding." Tone smug, he added, "I never liked that one, to begin with."

My mouth fell open, "how can you not like this bedding? It is wonderful!"

"Of course, a peasant would think so. Now for the last time go to sleep."

"I'm not a child," I mumbled, laying back down on my stomach, fully appreciating the luxuriousness of the bedding. He is such an ungrateful, spoiled brat.